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Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences
In this Handbook, Peter Rule and Vaughn M. John bring together international experts to provide a thorough overview of case study research in the social sciences. Analysing both historical and contemporary examples, the Handbook contains a comprehensive grounding for both experienced and novice researchers in case study theory and methodology, drawing out the challenges as well as the prospects for its development.
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Critical Acclaim
More Information
In this Handbook, Peter Rule and Vaughn M. John bring together international experts to provide a thorough overview of case study research in the social sciences. Analysing both historical and contemporary examples, the Handbook contains a comprehensive grounding for both experienced and novice researchers in case study theory and methodology, drawing out the challenges as well as the prospects for its development.
The Handbook elaborates on the foundational issues of case study research, for instance meaning-making, definition, context and theory. Chapter authors examine methodological dimensions, including single and multiple case study design, methods of data collection, analysis and presentation, and the relation of case study to narrative and ethnographical research. They deploy an interdisciplinary approach across education, anthropology, psychotherapy, social work, public administration and business ethics and draw connections between the local and the global.
Spanning a range of disciplines and fields, this Handbook is a vital resource for students and scholars of the social sciences with an interest in case study methodology, as well as academics who use case studies in their research.
The Handbook elaborates on the foundational issues of case study research, for instance meaning-making, definition, context and theory. Chapter authors examine methodological dimensions, including single and multiple case study design, methods of data collection, analysis and presentation, and the relation of case study to narrative and ethnographical research. They deploy an interdisciplinary approach across education, anthropology, psychotherapy, social work, public administration and business ethics and draw connections between the local and the global.
Spanning a range of disciplines and fields, this Handbook is a vital resource for students and scholars of the social sciences with an interest in case study methodology, as well as academics who use case studies in their research.
Critical Acclaim
‘As a professor teaching a graduate course on case study research methodology, I look forward to incorporating Rule and John’s Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences into my curriculum. I particularly appreciate the book’s clear structure, focusing on the foundations and methodological dimensions of CSR, along with examples from various fields and disciplines. Chapter 5 by Rule and Chapter 6 by Spooner and Myres offer important insights into the relationship between CSR and theory, answering questions that frequently arise among my students. Although the chapters span many disciplines, my field of health services, systems, and policy remains unaddressed—a gap I encourage the editors to explore in future editions. Overall, a welcome addition to the CSR methodology literature!’
– Mark Dobrow, University of Toronto, Canada
‘The Edward Elgar Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences edited by Peter Rule and Vaughn M. John showcases the high potential and flexibility of case study research. The emphasis on narrative, relationality, context, ethnography, and participatory research makes the Handbook highly relevant and significant for undertaking research on social problems relevant to our times, from decolonization to business ethics, counselling and beyond. The Handbook’s breadth, evident in academic disciplines it spans and philosophical approaches it covers, is certain to ensure its relevance across time. The Edward Elgar Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences offers a fresh take on case study research while demonstrating the value of case study research for all social science disciplines.’
– Gabrielle Durepos, Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
‘Case study research is ubiquitous in the field of adult and continuing education. The editors did a great service to the field through their book, Your Guide to Case Study Research (2011). This Handbook takes understandings of case study research to a new level by expanding and deepening engagement with case study research across disciplines and fields. This is a welcome addition to the literature and will, like their previous book, become an indispensable reference for case study researchers globally.’
– Shirley Walters, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
– Mark Dobrow, University of Toronto, Canada
‘The Edward Elgar Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences edited by Peter Rule and Vaughn M. John showcases the high potential and flexibility of case study research. The emphasis on narrative, relationality, context, ethnography, and participatory research makes the Handbook highly relevant and significant for undertaking research on social problems relevant to our times, from decolonization to business ethics, counselling and beyond. The Handbook’s breadth, evident in academic disciplines it spans and philosophical approaches it covers, is certain to ensure its relevance across time. The Edward Elgar Handbook of Case Study Research in the Social Sciences offers a fresh take on case study research while demonstrating the value of case study research for all social science disciplines.’
– Gabrielle Durepos, Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada
‘Case study research is ubiquitous in the field of adult and continuing education. The editors did a great service to the field through their book, Your Guide to Case Study Research (2011). This Handbook takes understandings of case study research to a new level by expanding and deepening engagement with case study research across disciplines and fields. This is a welcome addition to the literature and will, like their previous book, become an indispensable reference for case study researchers globally.’
– Shirley Walters, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
